Montanans reel in free fishing for Father's Day weekend

Montana FWP announced fishing is free in Montana this Father's Day weekend so you don't need a fishing license to reel in a good time.

ABC FOX Montana spoke to one avid fisherman to find out how he keeps his family safe on the water.

"So I've been fishing for 50 years and I don't think there is another activity like that," said Matt Rosenthal, The Bozeman Family Fly Fish Shop owner.

Matt Rosenthal a fisherman,a father and owner of the Bozeman Family Fly Shop says fishing for him is like therapy.

“For me it's more than a relaxation it resets my clock,” said Matt Rosenthal. “I run a fly shop and it's very busy and very stressful it's the first year so it's intense, but for me to get out of Bozeman or even in Bozeman with the kids at the pond it's fantastic it rejuvenates me.”

He was excited to learn about the free fishing weekend for other fathers and families in Montana.

“It's a great way to get out and enjoy friends and family and the beautiful environment we live in. We're pretty lucky to live in Montana," said Rosenthal.

With the free fishing going on this weekend, there are a few things you should be warned about when out on the river and lakes.

“It's important to realize to remember that all the other laws do apply so you have to familiar with regulations, it doesn't mean you can do whatever you want it just means you can fish for a license for two days,” said Rosenthal.

Montana's waterways are still high, cold and fast with spring runoff, meaning it could be dangerous for people spending their weekend on the water.

That's why as a father, Rosenthal says his number one concern is kids.

"If you have the kids fishing and they're younger kids make sure you really keep an eye on them, because it can be really quick and they could get into trouble and no body wants that,"said Rosenthal.

Rosenthal has a tip for anyone going fishing this weekend.

“Fish with a darker nymph in darker waters that tends to be a little better the fish can see it better and just stay close to the banks. As the water gets really high, a lot of fish get pushed to the banks so you don't need to go out to far to catch fish and have fun," said Rosenthal.

If you're pulling any kind of boat this weekend, FWP reminds you to stop at all aquatic invasive species inspection stations.

DENTON - One family in Denton said they called Fish Wildlife and Parks after they shot what appeared to be a wolf on their ranch. According to KXLO in Lewistown, game wardens came out to pick the animal up and sent pictures of it to a wolf specialist in Great Falls.

DENTON - One family in Denton said they called Fish Wildlife and Parks after they shot what appeared to be a wolf on their ranch. According to KXLO in Lewistown, game wardens came out to pick the animal up and sent pictures of it to a wolf specialist in Great Falls.

GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO - The search continues for four people who remain missing after their car wrecked and landed upside-down in the Selway River in a remote part of Idaho. Newly released video shows the car submerged in a fast-moving river.

GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO - The search continues for four people who remain missing after their car wrecked and landed upside-down in the Selway River in a remote part of Idaho. Newly released video shows the car submerged in a fast-moving river.

A woman attacked by a grizzly bear in Northwest Montana is being closely monitored tonight. Amber Kornak now has metal plates and drains in her head and is at risk for swelling induced seizures. Kornak dreamed of working with grizzly bears and finally got a position in Libby, Mont. as a grizzly bear wildlife technician with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

A woman attacked by a grizzly bear in Northwest Montana is being closely monitored tonight. Amber Kornak now has metal plates and drains in her head and is at risk for swelling induced seizures. Kornak dreamed of working with grizzly bears and finally got a position in Libby, Mont. as a grizzly bear wildlife technician with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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